Thursday March 28th, 2024
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An interview with Above All Landscapings Chris Montenegro!

 

Chris Montenegro 

USSSA Playing History

Who are you playing with in 2015?
Above All Landscaping

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
3b 1b 2b….3b is my most comfortable

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
Hard to pick.  Have been blessed to play with so many Hall of Famers but Jeff Wallace, Jimmy Devine,  Hank Garris and Todd Joerling have to be at the top of my list!

Why do you like the game of softball?
To be able to compete on the diamond with my boys and to have that great feeling of winning a big game, tourny or world at the end of the year!!!!

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Not being bias but would have to say my NEIGHBOR and teammate Jesse Campanelli.  Plays the game rite hard and wants to win!!!!! Has all the right tools

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Monte…I've had it since little league 

What is your height and weight?
6'1 225

Where do you call home?
Howell, New jersey

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
If I'm not on the diamond with my crew or watching my girlfriend play I love chilling with my family an friends watching baseball football an hockey.

What do you do for a living?
I work for WB Mason as a distribution supply driver. 

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
High school baseball and football
College Monmouth University
Professional for the Seattle Mariners farm system

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I got started by a friend while living in Arizona and I would have to thank a great friend Paul Grisi and Tom Paturzo for getting to compete against the best at the upper level.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Clearly the pitching and the athletic ability and defense by all players on the diamond.

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
Clearly winning 3 A worlds and 1 C!  

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
Jimmy Devine….preached how to play the game rite at all times, never let me settle and be satisfied and embedded how to keep working and be a great teammate!

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Work. …work….work and WORK AT THE GAME!!!! Take nothing for granted cause it all can be taking from you at any time! Sponsors spend there hard earned money for our enjoyment so put in 110% at all cost

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Standard baseball grip 27 balanced

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Weights cardio and try to eat rite! Gotta take care of your body so it treats you rite during the long season

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Yankees Cowboys Rangers an Knicks

Football all the way baby

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Oh boy we can be here a while…..WAY TO MANY!!!!!

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Red man….TIME FOR SOME ACTION!!!!

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
EQUIPMENT being on the same level at all times!!!

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Smokies!!!!!! Separates the men from the boys!

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Disney at the stadium, nothing better!!!!

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
Anything that's open LOL

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Joe Benanti an his behind the scene laughter at his own players…HYSTERICAL!!!!!

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
Being from a strong Italian family the bond I have with them an my close friends how emotional and sensitive of a person i am. Best I can think of rite now lol

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
Receiving  the phone call by the Seattle Mariners organization and actually having the opportunity to play baseball my childhood dream. In softball was making all conference while battling with ABS winning 3 A worlds In one year. NOTHING LIKE WINNING IT ALL!!!!!

 



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